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December 19, 2006

Cameras for Evidence Gathering

Another use for cameras is to collect evidence of incidents or accidents. For example, there have been calls for patrol cars to have video recording (e.g., Steve Chapman of the Chicago Tribune). In one example:

In a three-month experiment with 74 Oakland police officers, complaints were filed against 15 of the cops when they patrolled without video cameras. But when they were driving cars with cameras, there wasn't a single complaint filed against any of the 74.

Another example in the Tribune is to place cameras on the front of Metra trains to collect evidence when accidents occur. Metra plans to install more than 500 cameras at a cost of $3.5 million.

In its test along the Rock Island Line, Metra's cameras captured events that engineers witness every day but that would shock many people, especially parents, officials said.

Efforts such as the international Operation Lifesaver program attempt to educate people about taking risks at rail crossings, but the videos captured by the cameras may be more effective. Footage of youths trespassing on tracks might help pinpoint areas near playgrounds or schools.

They also may put pressure on police to better enforce laws against pedestrians and vehicles ignoring gates and signals, he said.

Posted by rshah at December 19, 2006 09:49 AM

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